SDLP ignore reality of 'policing' in South Armagh

The British government has a hidden agenda on demilitarisation, says Sinn Féin councillor Davy Hyland.

"In south Armagh, the PSNI accompany British Army foot patrols and in helicopters," he said. "British security sources have at last revealed their hidden agenda for demilitarisation. They claim this will happen by replacing British Army troops with members of the PSNI.

"In line with this decision, the PSNI are now engaged in a process of buying a number of helicopters costing £3 million each and over £700,000 a year to maintain. They have also on order eight water cannon and every member is to be equipped with semi-automatic Glock pistols. This is backed up by a huge order of recently acquired plastic bullets.

"People in south Armagh and other areas of the north will not be fooled by this cosmetic change in personnel.

"The British government is obliged under the Good Friday Agreement to publish and deliver a practical and timed programme for demilitarisation throughout the north. This cannot be achieved by redefining this military activity as part of a normal acceptable policing service. People are demanding an end to hilltop posts and an end to incessant helicopter flights both day and night."

• And responding to SDLP calls for increased "policing" in south Armagh Newry/Armagh Assembly member Conor Murphy said this week that the reality of an increased "police presence" in south Armagh would surely mean a huge deployment of British Army patrols.

"The PSNI do not go anywhere in south Armagh without a formidable backup of British Army and helicopters," he said. "The very presence of one PSNI member is accompanied by as many as 20 British paratroopers. This approach would merely exacerbate the situation and contribute to strengthening the British military occupation of south Armagh.

"The SDLP readily admit that anti-social behaviour and general crime in this area is not being dealt with effectively. The obvious conclusion therefore is that the PSNI are unwilling to tackle these problems. Many people in this area believe that criminals are being shielded by Special Branch in return for information passed on.

"If the SDLP are really serious about achieving a proper accountable and acceptable policing service, they should join with Sinn Féin in calling for the full and immediate implementation of Patten proposals. Without the support of the community any initiative or attempt to resolve these problems is doomed to failure."